Brief report: Understanding intention to be physically active and physical activity behaviour in adolescents from a low socio-economic status background: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Predictors of pearl vitamin D3 consumption in pregnant women: application of the theory of planned behaviour

This study aimed at determining the applicability planned-behaviour theory to predict the consumption of pearl vitamin D3 (1000 IU) among pregnant women in Iran in 2020. The participants of the present study were 200 pregnant women who were selected through random cluster sampling. In addition, data collection was done through the use of questionnaire and the proceeding analyses including correlation and linear regression were conducted using SPSS (version 20) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) statistical software package.The findings showed that all three structure attitudes (r = 0.69, p<.001), subjective norms (r = 0.58, p<.001) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) (r = 0.52, p<.001) had significant correlations with consumption. Among the variables entered into the regression model, attitude, subjective norms and PBC were able to predict a total of 65% of pearl vitamin D3 (1000 IU) consumption variance among participants (F = 60.75, R = 0.66, R²=0.65). According to the findings, TPB and its constructs were used to predict pearl vitamin D3 consumption in pregnant women in Iran. This outcome indicates that efforts to promote behavioural intentions through targeting subjective norms, attitude and PBC may promote pearl vitamin D3 consumption.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The results of this study showed predictors of pearl vitamin D3 consumption in pregnant women based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Women receive adequate and proper knowledge, along with a positive attitude towards taking pearl vitamin D3, and feel that taking pearl vitamin D3 is at their discretion in terms of environmental factors (facilities and barriers), increases intend to use pearl vitamin D3.What do the results of this study add? The results of this study also showed that the amount of pearl vitamin D3 intake during pregnancy increased by pregnant women and decreased risk of foetal growth retardation, low birth weight, decreased risk of respiratory infections in infants, decreased asthma and eczema in infants.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The study showed the importance of the role of education based on TPB in consumption promoting pearl vitamin D3.

Predictive Variables of Adolescents' Intention to Be Physically Active after Graduation. Is Gender a Conditioning Factor?

The acquisition of physical activity habits during adolescence is fundamental to guarantee its adherence throughout life. However, these levels decrease during this stage, with women experimenting a more significant decrease. This paper aims to analyze if there are significant differences in the variables related to the intention to be physically active between men and women and if there is a moderating effect of gender on the variables that predict this intention. The sample is composed of 256 adolescents, aged between 16 and 19 years, 55.50% of whom are men, and 44.50% women. The results show that there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), with boys showing higher scores in the intention, athletic identity, and in the strength, condition, and attractiveness. About the predictive variables of the intention, the gender moderates the relationships between the physical attractiveness, condition and strength with the perceived behavioral control (pcfmale-pcfmale = 0.44; −0.48 p < 0.001; 0.27, p < 0.05, respectively), and between the subjective norm and the intention to be physically active (pcmale-female = 0.33, p < 0.01). These results highlight the importance of considering gender when designing specific policies for the promotion of physical-sports practice among adolescents to reduce the existing gender gap.

Factors that influence dietary behavior toward iron and vitamin D consumption based on the theory of planned behavior in Iranian adolescent girls

Background

The impact of iron and vitamin D supplements among adolescent is not well understood. The prevalence of supplement use, and the behavioral intentions of adolescents was studied to better understand the data on supplement intake. We used the theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the determinants that influence supplement intake, and its potential constructs to examine determinants that influence dietary supplement behavior towards the use of iron and vitamin D supplements amongst a sample of Iranian schoolgirl.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 485 adolescent girls aged 12–17 years. Multiple analytical models including hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the association between TPB constructs and adolescent’s behavioral intentions to consume dietary supplements.

Results

Based on the results of SEM, constructs of TPB and knowledge were found to predict 74% of the variation in the behavioral intentions of the schoolgirls. SEM indicated that perceived behavioral control (PBC) and knowledge had significant associations with intention behaviors to take nutritional supplements.

Conclusion

TPB and its constructs were used to establish the determinants of iron and vitamin D intake among schoolgirls in Iran. This outcome indicates that efforts to promote behavioral intentions through targeting subjective norms, attitude, and PBC may promote supplement use.

Applying an extended theory of planned behaviour to predict breakfast consumption in adolescents

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Breakfast skipping increases during adolescence and is associated with lower levels of physical activity and weight gain. Theory-based interventions promoting breakfast consumption in adolescents report mixed findings, potentially because of limited research identifying which determinants to target. This study aimed to: (i) utilise the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the relative contribution of attitudes (affective, cognitive and behavioural) to predict intention to eat breakfast and breakfast consumption in adolescents and (ii) determine whether demographic factors moderate the relationship between TPB variables, intention and behaviour.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Questionnaires were completed by 434 students (mean 14±0.9 years) measuring breakfast consumption (0-2, 3-6 or 7 days), physical activity levels and TPB measures. Data were analysed by breakfast frequency and demographics using hierarchical and multinomial regression analyses.

RESULTS

Breakfast was consumed everyday by 57% of students, with boys more likely to eat a regular breakfast, report higher activity levels and report more positive attitudes towards breakfast than girls (P<0.001). The TPB predicted 58% of the variation in intentions. Overall, the model was predictive of breakfast behaviours (P<0.001), but the relative contribution of TPB constructs varied depending on breakfast frequency. Interactions between gender and intentions were significant when comparing 0-2- and 3-6-day breakfast eaters only highlighting a stronger intention-behaviour relationship for girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings confirm that the TPB is a successful model for predicting breakfast intentions and behaviours in adolescents. The potential for a direct effect of attitudes on behaviours should be considered in the implementation and design of breakfast interventions.

Using Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict the Physical Activity of Children: Probing Gender Differences

Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to use the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine the association between TPB variables and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of children in Shanghai, China. Gender differences were also explored. Methods. The participants were 353 children (180 boys and 173 girls) aged 9 to 13 years from three primary schools in Shanghai. Accelerometers were used to measure the MVPA duration of the children. Questionnaires that focused on attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) related to MVPA engagement were completed by the participants. Results. Regression analyses revealed that intention, and not PBC, accounted for 9% of the variance in MVPA. Meanwhile, attitude and PBC explained 33% of the variance in intentions to engage in MVPA. In terms of gender differences, TPB performed better in the physical activity (PA) domain for boys than for girls. Furthermore, attitude and PBC were significantly associated with intention among boys, whereas only PBC was significantly related to intention among girls. Conclusion. Practitioners should consider tailoring intervention to address gender differences to increase leisure-time PA participation of children.

“Feeling Unsafe”

Understanding the factors influencing physical activity (PA) in the Asia-Pacific region is critical, given the high prevalence of inactivity in this area. The photovoice technique explores the types of PA and factors influencing PA among adolescents in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of 160 photographs were collected from participants (adolescents, n = 22, mean age = 14.27 ± 0.7 years, and parents, n = 8, mean age = 48 ± 6.8 years). Data analysis used constant comparison methods of a grounded theory. The Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity was used to categorize PA factors. Study findings were centered on the concept of safety, facilities, parental restriction, friends, cultural traits, media, community cohesiveness, and weather. The central theme was “feeling unsafe” when being outdoors. To promote PA behavior, provision of PA facilities needs to be supported by other programs that build on peer support, crime prevention, and traffic safety, together with other educational campaigns.